Until they are ready to return to work, they will be re-deployed internally.

A spokeswoman said the policy had been in place for years. She told Personnel Today: “We periodically send out policy reminders to drivers, and the policy is based on health and safety legislation. It’s extremely rare for any of our workforce to exceed the weight limit.”

The firm added it would support drivers wanting to join the government’s Active for Life scheme, which offers benefits including six weeks’ access to a gym, day passes to gyms in the local area, and access to walking groups.